The Medici and Tornabuoni : late medieval Florence through the lens of the powerful

Abstract

In this dissertation the concept of power, particularly the power which women could wield, will be scrutinised in the context of fifteenth century Florence. The study shall mostly surround the character of Lucrezia Tornabuoni de Medici, a prominent woman of the fifteenth century. The various implications of power will first be analysed: political, economic and cultural by taking a look at the Medici and Tornabuoni families. The historical, political and cultural background of the two families shall be highlighted in this dissertation as an example of traditional power. Cultural power will mainly be evaluated by the art patronage of each family. Lucrezia Tornabuoni shall be compared to other female contemporaries throughout. This comparison will be done by taking a look at some of the letters written by Lucrezia Tornabuoni, Alessandra Macingi Strozzi and Contessina Bardi. A brief look at Lucrezia’s storie sacre will especially be of help in understanding the level of influence Lucrezia Tornabuoni might have possessed in the literary world. In this way, one will be able to see in which ways Lucrezia Tornabuoni was able to exert power, and the limitations of this same power within fifteenth century Florence. Before delving into this dissertation, I would like to thank my tutor, Mr Charles Dalli, for not only his help throughout the process of writing this dissertation, but also his advice and patience throughout as well. I would also like to thank my sister, Dorothy, for her support and her help with looking for some of the books used in this dissertation. Lastly I would also like to thank my friends Frances and Alys for their friendship and advice these past three years.